Yarn Tree
Yarn Tree How can I encourage birds and other animals to my yard? When I was very young, there was a beautiful blue jay nesting in a small bush. It had a lovely nest and laid 3 perfect eggs. Me and my...
Yarn Tree
 How can I encourage birds and other animals to my yard? When I was very young, there was a beautiful blue jay nesting in a small bush. It had a lovely nest and laid 3 perfect eggs. Me and my sister, plus my grandma, would walk to the bush every day and check on the eggs. They hatched wonderfully and we watched them every day grow up, it was so beautiful! Sadly, the mother abandoned the nest. Now 7 years later the nest is still abandoned and has deteriorated, still no little birdies. How can I encourage new birds to come to my yard (but not use that old nest?) It is still extremely cold where I live (plus several feet of snow), but a few days ago I saw some beautiful finches on a tree. I left some soft yarn outside if they were making a nest, but it hasn't been touched, and the small breadcrumbs are still there too. Is it just the wrong season? What can I do to encourage animals and birds to my yard? I live in the midwest by the way. And do I HAVE to buy a bird feeder? Or can I use seeds or bread? It is never a wrong time to put of food out for our feathered friends. I have posted a great website for you, on how to attract wildlife to your backyard. It is best to view the website as there are a lot of different ways to attract them. Make sure you never use chemicals of any sort. The below info was taken from Eartheasy. Have a look! The four basic needs of your wildlife visitors are: FOOD, WATER, COVER and NESTING. Keep these needs in mind as you plan a backyard wildlife habitat, and consider the following: Plantings ~ Plants native to your area will work best. The native plants are adapted to your growing conditions and produce foods and shelter compatible with local wildlife. Select plants that flower and bear fruit at different times of the year. ~ Plant in clusters, and multi-level. Have shrubs leading to small trees, alongside larger trees. Wildlife is attracted to multi-storey flora for shelter and forage. Diversity in the landscape is necessary. Some plants provide food but very little cover; others provide cover but little food. ~ Plant flowers to provide natural nectar. Tubular red flowers will attract hummingbirds; clusters of brightly colored flowers attract butterflies. Flowering annuals and perennials bring color to the yard and can be easily added, or removed, for variety and appearance. ~ Plant vegetation around pools, ponds or streams. This provides cover for critters attracted to the water. Water sources will attract more species to your backyard wildlife habitat. ~ Leave dead and dying trees, when possible. They attract woodpeckers, owls, wrens and insects for food. Planting to attract birds: If you're looking to attract specific bird species to your yard, here are some common plants and trees, and the birds they attract: Sunflower - "nature's bird feeder" attracts manys birds, such as chickadees, cardinals, titmice, nuthatches and buntings. Planting to attract butterflies: You can attract butterflies with a number of nectar producing plants. Butterflies prefer plants with large petals that provide a perch, though multiple small florets will also attract them. Butterflies are attracted to purple flowers, followed by yellows, pinks and whites. The Butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) and butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) are two plants especially preferred by butterflies. Other popular nectar plants include marigold, primrose, sedum, dandelion, coneflower, hollyhock, lantana, goldenrod, aster, yarrow, nasturtium, honeysuckle, viburnum, lilac and zinnia. Butterflies prefer the heat, and are most active on sunny, warm days. They need "sunning" sites where they can warm up on cool mornings. Put a light-colored rock or concrete garden sculpture where the morning sun first appears. Butterflies also need a source of water. A shallow dish of water or a depression in a rock that retains water is ideal. Butterflies begin their lives as caterpillars, and most caterpillars are leaf-eaters. Don't worry if you see a few caterpillars or damaged leaves, but do target a serious infestation. Use a strong jet of water to wash away aphids or spider mites, and burn any tent caterpillar nests. Avoid using pesticides or herbicides, which can harm beneficial host and food plants and kill bird-attracting insects. Monitor Keep a pair of binoculars and a pad with pencil near the best viewing window. Encourage your children to keep a record of sightings and observations. Review this journal with your children and acknowledge their interest and enthusiasm. As you learn from experience, you can "fine tune" your backyard wildlife habitat to encourage the species you most enjoy. Tips * Before getting started on your backyard wildlife habitat, check with neighbors and call your local planning department or zoning bylaw authority to be sure any changes you make to your yard are permissable. Unfortunately, many suburban developments discourage any departures from the typical mowed lawn with a few shrubs. |
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Keep your Pets Healthy This Holiday Season
The Christmas season is a time of reflection, family, peace, and celebration. Planning for the holidays often means preperation of the household for friends, family, and other guests. Unfortunately, most preperations do not include safety. In particular - pets. Pets are curious animals and that mischievous wonder can get them, and you, into serious trouble.
Some of the concerns listed in this article may seem far fetched to readers, but not to the veterinarians who treat these animals season after season.
Tinsel, String and Decorative Wrapping
Holiday decorations of tinsel, ribbons, yarn and string are the norm in most households. They are traditions pleasing to the eye. And not just human. Cats love string and tinsel. It may be cute and seem innocent but it is deadly. When ingested, these items can become lodged in the intestinal tract. Often times safe removal requires life threatening and costly surgery.
Holiday roasts and turkeys are tied with twine to hold everything in place. If not properly disposed of these tasty morsels attract cats and dogs alike. Before you know it you may be taking a trip to the emergency clinic.
Christmas Trees
Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without a fresh tree! To help your pet avoid injuries, ensure your tree is firmly mounted. The base should fit firmly in the tree stand and the top should be anchored to the ceiling. Cats love to climb trees. Dogs love to scratch themselves on the trunk and the needles. Many trees have toppled over during these activities causing not just a ruined setting but broekn bones, punctured or lacerated skin, and sprains. If using a real tree, ensure it has plent of fresh water. Avoid using chemicals because animals may drink the water and become poisoned. Most sprays to simulate snow are very dangerous to pets. Also, glass ornaments can be dangerous if knocked from the tree and broken. Fine glass can be ingested or become imbedded into the pads or the skin between the toes. Try to avoid these types of ornaments if possible or at least move them away from the ends of branches or lower reaches.
Table Scraps
Table scraps and other foods high in fat content may cause pancreatitus (inflammation of the pancreas), a potentially life threatening situation in companion animals. Avoid raw metas and bones. Many diseases shared by people and pets are passed through this bad habit. Sharp bone fragments are a common source of punctured intestinal tracts and blockages.
Chocolates
A favorite among holidy revelers is chocolates. Chocolates contain stimulants including caffeine and theobromine. Bakers chocolate (unsweetened) is especially dangerous. One once of this can kill a small dog. Symptoms of chocolate toxicity include diarrhea, hyperactivity, vomiting, and heart palpatations. Therefore, do not leave chocolates unsupervised or within reach of pets. Chocolates in large quantities can also contain high levels of fat (see table scraps section).
Ornamental Plants
Many holiday plants such as holly, poinsettas, and mistletoe may be toxic to pets if ingested. Holly is most commonly associated with digestive upset and nervous system depression. The ingestion Poinsetta leaves results in mild to moderate digestive upsets. American Mistletoe produces quite severe digestive tract irritation, as well as low temperature, low heart rate, and sometimes seizures. All symptoms may lead to coma and even death.
Training Aid Use
Many companion pet owners find it impossible to seperate their pets from the family and festivities. Afterall, the pets are part of the family. Precaution is the name of the game in safety. Try to anchor your trees and arrainge your house the same as you would if a toddler were around. The use of training aids and spray products are acceptable to use to provide a safe, natural menas of marking areas to keep pets away from. Many products are available on the market for this purpose. Most work. Take caution to pick a product that is natural and safe. You don't want to introduce any nasty chemicals into your house or create one health problem while trying to avoid another. Use common sense and preperation to have a wonderful holiday season.
About the Author
James E. Harris is a professional copywriter specializing in writing for the pet industry. He advocates the use of Keep Away, a non-staining, pleasant smelling, all natural product approved by veterinarians that emits a harmless odor that discourages animals from climbing and chewing on fabrics, rugs, wood, leather, clothing, shoes, furniture or any surface. Especially effective on artifical and natural Christams Trees. James has 15 years business experience and is exposed to many products for the pet industry. It is rare that he recommends a product directly.